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CBC Television Network

Marketplace

Network: CBC Television Network

Broadcast Run: 1969 to 1970

Broadcast Medium: Television

This weekly consumer affairs program, originating from Toronto, debuted in 1972. It became the definitive series for discovering faulty products and poorly enforced rules in the consumer market. Consequently, the show’s efforts to influence consumer law were very important. Over the years, products such as lawn darts, exploding soft-drink bottles and dangerous cribs were either been banned outright or overhauled to a higher standard of safety, as a result of Marketplace reporting. Folk music icon Stompin’ Tom Connors wrote and performed the original theme song.

The original producer was Dodi Robb. Host/reporters: George
Finstad, (`72 to `77); Joan Watson, (`72 to `83); Harry Brown, (`77/`78); Bill
Paul, (`78 to `95); Christine Johnson, (`83 to `87); Norma Kent, (`87 to
`91); Jacquie Perrin, (starting in`91); Jim Nunn, (starting in`95). From 2006 onwards, it was co- hosted by Wendy Mesley in Toronto and Erica Johnson in Vancouver.

 The series began its 37th season on January 8th 2010, on Fridays at 8:30pm. On August 26th 2010, it was announced that  CBC journalist Tom Harrington would be joining Erica Johnson as co-host of Marketplace with the start of the new season in the Fall.  Wendy Mesley, meanwhile, was being given increased exposure on CBC’s National News.

 On February 13th 2011, the CBC announced that Marketplace would again be in the CBC schedule in the fall of 2011.

 On April 19th 2012, the CBC announced that a further season of Marketplace would be part of the Network’s 2012-13 schedule.  This was confirmed  with the announcement of CBC’s fall schedule on May 10th, and the series returned with new episodes on Friday September 21st at 8:00 pm. 

On April 3rd 2013 Marketplace was included in a list of programs that would be renewed for the 2013-14 season on the CBC, and the series returned on October 4th 2013, with hosts Tom Harrington and Erica Johnson.

On April 4th 2014, the CBC announced that Marketplace would be returning to the CBC schedule in the 2014-015 season, and it was listed at 8:00 pm on Fridays in the CBC Fall Schedule released on May 29th.

Four years later, in the fall of 2017, Marketplace began its 46th season, with hosts Charlsise Agro, David Common and Asha Tomlinson.

On May 27th 2020 the CBC announced that Marketplace would return in the fall for its 48th season.